

CAWAQ is committed to supporting the next generation of environmental researchers by providing opportunities for graduate students to engage in research addressing critical environmental challenges.
CAWAQ offers monthly research stipends to graduate students pursuing research aligned with the Center’s research focus areas. Full tuition waivers are available for doctoral candidates and eligible master’s students.
Graduate students interested in environmental research and innovation are encouraged to complete the Graduate Research Interest Form to share their research interests, academic background, and potential areas of collaboration with CAWAQ.
Air Quality and Emissions Research
Monitoring, characterizing, and evaluating air pollutants, industrial emissions, and environmental exposure.
Water Quality and Environmental Chemistry
Analyzing water quality, identifying contaminants, and evaluating environmental conditions across diverse water resources.
Hazardous Waste Management and Remediation
Researching methods for hazardous waste characterization, treatment, containment, and environmental remediation.
Industrial Wastewater and Produced Water
Investigating treatment, management, reuse, and beneficial applications of industrial wastewater and produced water.
Environmental Monitoring and Analytical Testing
Applying advanced instrumentation, laboratory analysis, and field monitoring techniques to characterize environmental conditions and contaminants.
Environmental Technology Development and Evaluation
Testing and evaluating emerging technologies, innovative treatment methods, and practical solutions to environmental challenges.
Stormwater Management and Green Infrastructure
Researching green infrastructure practices, stormwater management strategies, and approaches to improving water quality.
Sediment, Dredge Material, and Contamination Analysis
Evaluating sediment composition, identifying pollutants, and investigating the environmental implications of dredging and material management.
Aquatic Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Studying aquatic species, invasive organisms, freshwater ecosystems, and environmental factors affecting biodiversity.
Environmental Data Analysis and Decision Support
Using environmental data, modeling, and scientific research to support informed decision-making, resource management, and pollution mitigation.



The Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality seeks opportunities in developing joint projects with with local government agencies, industrial companies, community organizations, and private sector partners to address critical environmental challenges related to energy efficiency, water use, and sustainability issues.
These collaborative projects can be accomplished though research grants from state and federal funding agencies, as well as through special research contracts between industries and Âé¶¹Ó³»Ó°Òô.
National Science Foundation’s administers multiple grant programs that support innovative research, technology transfer and Industry & University Cooperative Research.
The and small business innovative research (SBIR) programs also provide financial resources for research projects that address industrial needs in technological development. Short-term projects that develop solutions for immediate issues can be arranged through research contracts funded by the industries in need.
Have you spotted an alligator snapping turtle in the wild? Your observation can help us monitor and protect this remarkable, threatened species.